Mathieu DrouetArchives Portfolio

About

Mathieu Drouet is a French photographer based between Lille and Valencia.

While his choice of subjects is often the fruit of his encounters and travels, he shapes his projects with precision, balancing the tenuous thread between instinct and reflection. Memory, history, and transmission — particularly with regard to family — are the guiding themes of his work. His main influences include Nan Goldin, Alec Soth, Stephen Shore, and Joel-Peter Witkin.

After taking up photography in 1989 with his grandfather's camera, he further developed his practice when he enrolled at the agricultural college in 1992. He reproduced the style of photographers he liked, such as the contrasting black-and-whites of Anton Corbijn, whose aesthetic he likened to the world of fanzines.

The following year, at the Guy Mollet college in Arras, he took over the photo lab, which gave him access not only to equipment but also the opportunity to take portraits of figures such as Annie Ernaux and Moebius when they visited.

In 1993, while already documenting the local rock scene, he took concert photos upon request of the event planner at MJC du Pharos in Arras, then at Le Grand Mix.

In 1997, he entered the Saint-Luc Institute (Tournai). Although he decided to quit school after a year, he learned about the works of photographers who continue to influence him to this day.

After taking a break for several years, Mathieu Drouet returned to photography in the late 2000s. Together with a friend, he founded an agency specializing in wine and music, became the head of photo production for the Dour Festival, and continued to collaborate with artists on their portfolios and album covers. It was during this intense period of production that more personal projects emerged, such as De Peur que nous oubliions (For Fear of Forgetting), developed during the back and forth between Lille and Newfoundland.

In 2015, Mathieu Drouet left Lille to move in with his partner in Valencia, and Spain brought new life to his work, such as in the series First Meeting or In Fiction. Over the years, he has taught at ESJ, at communications school, at University of Lille III, and at the Catholic Institute of Lille as part of the general education courses. In addition to working with independent artists such as Xavier Brisoux, he has collaborated with Arte, Telerama, Radio France, and the Dour Festival.

Exhibitions

audioguid.es — Paris, Meaningful, 2022

digital art

audioguid.es is a set of photographic objects exploring both the memory of territories and that of their inhabitants. Halfway between an audio guide and a time capsule, audioguid.es captures the memory and state of mind of people living or working in the Goutte d'Or neighborhood of Paris during the summer of 2022.

Audio cassettes were the simplest medium for sharing music in the 80s and 90s, and often a personal link between individuals and their community. From the cadastral Goutte d'Or to the Goutte d'Or of the Paris metro, the neighborhood sometimes takes on a larger dimension: a place of welcome, migration, transit, commerce, work and dealing — the Goutte d'Or has its own geography for each community and each person.

The 10 cassettes that make up the set contain interview recordings and a selection of music on the A sides. On the B sides, a DATA recording of the cassette ensures the work's transmission and longevity.

Grande Plage — Lille, 2016

digital art

Grande Plage is a photographic and musical project aiming to create a collection of unique vinyl maxi 45 RPM records, highlighting Mathieu Drouet's photography through artists he selected specifically for the project.

Espana — Lille, L'Univers, 2011

Espana is an exhibition combining two photographic series (Andréa & L'Atzuvia) made between April 2009 and September 2010 in the Oliva region, near Valencia. With no documentary or sociological intent, the exhibition channels the emotions felt between the onset of the economic crisis that hit the region hard and Spain's victory in the 2010 football World Cup.

The exhibition consists of fifteen 45×45 cm aluminum-mounted inkjet prints, made from scans of medium-format color negatives.

Sprezzatura — Anne-Valérie Hash, Paris X, 2011

There are words scattered on the wind that we cannot translate into other languages. They exist nonetheless: we feel them, we sense them. Sprezzatura is one of those words. Reducing it to a mere "nonchalance" would be far too narrow — it should rather be felt as the apparent ease, the falsely natural achievements the word carries. Like a drape that falls perfectly. Like a snapshot caught on the fly. Just like that.

Xavier Brisoux and Mathieu Drouet seal here three years of work together. Five collections in which they jointly express their will — to break the classical temporal cycle of fashion for the former, and to escape the conventions of photographic exhibitions for the latter. Three years of consistency and evolution from these two artists with complementary practices, who deliver in Sprezzatura the most complete expression of their collaboration.

Sprezzatura comprises eight 60×40 prints on aluminum-mounted Fine Art paper, plus two larger 90×60 prints of the same nature, suspended in the nineteenth-century medieval-styled ballroom that serves as the showroom for the Anne-Valérie Hash house.

Publications

Tennessee Moonshine

The recording of Team Wild's album was the perfect excuse to set off in late autumn 2014. Along with my companion and partner Agathe Vuachet, we followed them into the studio and experienced our own Tennessee Moonshine as we crossed the state from Nashville to Memphis. We hit the road again in June, taking other back roads between Nashville and Memphis to create a complete and complementary work with Team Wild, consisting of an album, a film, a clip and a book.

Navire & Maisonnettes

This book–CD is the result of encounters between adventurous musician Red, versatile photographer Mathieu Drouet, and the residents of two neighborhoods in Lille: St-Maurice and Vauban. The artists interacted with the residents, collecting their stories, memories, and emotions, involving them in workshops and portraits. The work of photographer Mathieu Drouet is especially highlighted. The songs and photos in the book are authentic fragments of the residents' reality, captured by the sensitive artist duo.

Taureau — Torture

Taureau — Torture: Les Soirées Floues is a captivating black-and-white photography collection by documentary photographer Mathieu Drouet. The book takes the reader on a visual journey through various evenings and nights, capturing the raw emotions and fleeting moments experienced in these blurry settings. Drouet's masterful eye for detail and atmosphere allows the viewer to immerse themselves in the scenes, creating a powerful and evocative experience.

Interviews

Lensing Xavier Brisoux's Maille Haute-Sculpture: Interview with Photographer Mathieu Drouet — Irenebrination
Photographer aims to capture Newfoundland's war history — CBC Radio Canada
French photographers seek N.L. WWI connections for project — CBC Radio Canada
Grand Palais — Portrait de photographe : Mathieu Drouet — Grand Palais
Deux artistes, deux quartiers, et un livre habité à hauteur d'habitants — La Voix du Nord

Site team

Artistic Direction: Meaningful — thanks to Jennifer Tytgat, Marine Rouit-Leduc, Galilée Al Rifaï and Nicolas Rouit-Leduc.

Artistic Support: Stéphane Maguet for Meaningful.

Editorial Direction: Andrea Goulet.

HTML Integration: Paul Stilhart.

APP & CMS Development: regrets.app

Mathieu DrouetArchives Portfolio

Tourcoing

56 archives

110+ archives from Tourcoing — primarily concerts at Le Grand Mix, one of Northern France's most ambitious live music venues.

Concert photography — of Blonde Redhead — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2004)

Blonde Redhead - 12 May 2004 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsindieindie-rock+9

12 mai 2004

Concert photography — of Cocorosie — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2004)

Cocorosie - 12 May 2004 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsindieexperimental+9

12 mai 2004

Concert photography — of Laetitia Shériff — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2008)

Laetitia Shériff - 29 May 2004 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertstourcoingle-grand-mix+4

9 octobre 2008

Concert photography — of La Rumeur — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2005)

La Rumeur - 24 February 2005 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsrap-francaiship-hop+8

23 février 2005

Concert photography — of The Evens — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2024)

The Evens - 16 Octobre 2005 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertstourcoingrock+1

14 mai 2024

Concert photography — of Bat for Lashes — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2007)

Bat for Lashes - 25 October 2007 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsfemale-vocalistsindie+9

25 octobre 2007

Concert photography — of Envy — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2007)

Envy - 04 November 2007 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsscreamopost-rock+10

4 novembre 2007

Concert photography — of Pinback — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2007)

Pinback - 18 November 2007 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsindieindie-rock+7

18 novembre 2007

Concert photography — of Shellac — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2007)

Shellac - 25 mai 2007 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertstourcoingle-grand-mix+4

26 mai 2007

Concert photography — of Will Oldham — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2007)

Will Oldham - 21 March 2007 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertssinger-songwriterfolk+9

21 mars 2007

Concert photography — of Black Strobe — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2008)

Black Strobe - 06 February 2008 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertselectroelectronic+8

6 février 2008

Concert photography — of Blood Red Shoes — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2008)

Blood Red Shoes - 26 February 2008 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsindie-rockindie+6

26 février 2008

Concert photography — of Bon Iver — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2008)

Bon Iver - 05 October 2008 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsfolkindie+6

5 octobre 2008

Concert photography — of Crystal Castle — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2008)

Crystal Castle - 10 February 2008 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertselectronicpower-metal+7

10 février 2008

Concert photography — of Dälek — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2008)

Dälek - 28 April 2008 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertstourcoingle-grand-mix+5

28 avril 2008

Concert photography — of Fujiya & Miyagi — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2008)

Fujiya & Miyagi - 18 November 2008 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertselectronicindie+7

18 novembre 2008

Concert photography — of Laetitia Shériff — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2008)

Laetitia Shériff - 06 October 2008 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertstourcoingle-grand-mix+4

9 octobre 2008

Concert photography — of My Brightest Diamond — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2008)

My Brightest Diamond - 06 October 2008 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsfemale-vocalistsindie+7

6 octobre 2008

Concert photography — of Pelican — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2008)

Pelican - 08 October 2008 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertspost-rockpost-metal+8

8 octobre 2008

Concert photography — of Roots Manuva — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2008)

Roots Manuva - 18 November 2008 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertship-hopdub+6

18 novembre 2008

Concert photography — of Sporto Kantès + Gong Gong — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2023)

Sporto Kantès + Gong Gong - 10 October 2008 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertstourcoingle-grand-mix

19 décembre 2023

Concert photography — of The Notwist — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2008)

The Notwist - 16 November 2008 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsindieelectronic+7

16 novembre 2008

Concert photography — of Zone Libre Vs Casey & Hame — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2023)

Zone Libre Vs Casey & Hame - 28 April 2008 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertstourcoingle-grand-mix

22 décembre 2023

Concert photography — of Emmanuel Rabu — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2010)

Emmanuel Rabu - 19 September 2009 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertstourcoingle-grand-mix

24 septembre 2010

Concert photography — of Geneva Jacuzzi — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2009)

Geneva Jacuzzi - 19 September 2009 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertslo-fielectronic+8

18 septembre 2009

Concert photography — of Gojira — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2009)

Gojira - 14 February 2009 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsdeath-metalprogressive-metal+6

13 février 2009

Concert photography — of Matt Elliot — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2009)

Matt Elliot - 12 February 2009 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsdronetourcoing+7

12 février 2009

Concert photography — of Psykick Lyrikah — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2009)

Psykick Lyrikah - 28 April 2009 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertship-hopfrench+10

28 avril 2009

Concert photography — of Snowman — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2009)

Snowman - 19 September 2009 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsalternativealternative-rock+7

19 septembre 2009

Concert photography — of Stuck In The Sound — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2023)

Stuck In The Sound - 13 Feb 2009 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsfrenchindie-rock+8

22 décembre 2023

Concert photography — of the Ex — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2009)

the Ex - 15 March 2009 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertspost-punkpunk+9

15 mars 2009

Concert photography — of Anna Calvi — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2010)

Anna Calvi - 11 September 2010 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertstourcoingle-grand-mix+3

11 novembre 2010

Concert photography — of Atari Teenage Riot — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2010)

Atari Teenage Riot - 02 April 2010 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsdigital-hardcoreelectronic+13

2 avril 2010

Concert photography — of Bill Callahan — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2010)

Bill Callahan - 10 February 2010 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertssinger-songwriterfolk+5

10 février 2010

Concert photography — of Caribou — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2010)

Caribou - 11 September 2010 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertselectronicexperimental+9

11 septembre 2010

Concert photography — of Dark Castle — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2010)

Dark Castle - 10 April 2010 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertssludgedoom-metal+10

10 avril 2010

Concert photography — of Hint vs. Ez3kiel — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2010)

Hint vs. Ez3kiel - 04 April 2010 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsrockexperimental+7

3 avril 2010

Concert photography — of Kylesa — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2010)

Kylesa - 10 April 2010 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertssludgesludge-metal+10

10 avril 2010

Concert photography — of Lichen — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2010)

Lichen - 24 January 2010 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsblack-metalmetal+11

24 janvier 2010

Concert photography — of Local Natives — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (1905)

Local Natives - 02 July 1905 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsindieindie-rock+8

2 juillet 1905

Concert photography — of OM — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2010)

OM - 24 January 2010 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsdoom-metalstoner-rock+6

24 janvier 2010

Concert photography — of Pneu — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2011)

Pneu - 10 April 2010 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsmath-rocknoise-rock+7

21 octobre 2011

Concert photography — of PVT — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2010)

PVT - 11 September 2010 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsexperimentalelectronic+8

11 septembre 2010

Concert photography — of The XX — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2010)

The XX - 10 February 2010 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsindieelectronic+7

10 février 2010

Concert photography — of Botibol — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2011)

Botibol - 09 September 2011 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsfolkindie+6

19 octobre 2011

Concert photography — of Crystal Fighters — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2011)

Crystal Fighters - 10 September 2011 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertselectronicdance-punk+11

25 octobre 2011

Concert photography — of Isbells — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2011)

Isbells - 09 September 2011 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsfolksinger-songwriter+6

9 septembre 2011

Concert photography — of Kurt Vile & The Violators — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2023)

Kurt Vile & The Violators - 09 September 2011 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertslo-fipsychedelic+4

22 décembre 2023

Concert photography — of Man Man — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2011)

Man Man - 09 September 2011 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsexperimentalindie+7

9 septembre 2011

Concert photography — of Mondkopf — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2011)

Mondkopf - 10 September 2011 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertselectronicambient+8

28 avril 2011

Concert photography — of Nashville Pussy — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2011)

Nashville Pussy - 02 February 2011 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertshard-rocksouthern-rock+6

2 février 2011

Concert photography — of The Leisure Society — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2011)

The Leisure Society - 09 September 2011 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsindiefolk+7

9 septembre 2011

Concert photography — of Zoe — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2011)

Zoe - 02 February 2011 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertstourcoingle-grand-mix+3

2 février 2011

Concert photography — of Tang — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2023)

Tang - 14 decembre 2012 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertsscreamopost-hardcore+7

19 décembre 2023

Concert photography — of Steak Number 8 — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2023)

Steak Number 8 - 08 October 2023 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertspost-metalsludge+6

8 octobre 2023

Concert photography — of Torche — at Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing — (2023)

Torche - 08 October 2023 - Le Grand Mix - Tourcoing

concertssludgestoner-rock+10

8 octobre 2023